bfe_1068450 - CHAMPAGNE - COMTÉ DE PROVINS - HENRI II Denier ou provinois

CHAMPAGNE - COUNTY OF PROVINS - HENRY II

(1180-1197)

In the 12th century, Provins was a prosperous town thanks to the Champagne fairs which allowed Flemish and Italian merchants to meet and trade with all of Europe. Thibaut II (1125-1152) traveled to the Holy Land. Hugues de Payns created the Order of the Temple in 1125, which was consecrated at the Council of Troyes in 1128. Henri I succeeded Thibaut (1152-1180), then Henri II. After the short reign of Thibaut III (1197-1201), it was the very long reign of Thibaut IV (1201-1253) that enriched Provins. Often opposed to the King of France, the counts of Troyes and Sens are powerful and turbulent neighbors. Thibaut IV becomes king of Navarre (1234-1253). Thibaut V (1253-1270) on dying leaves only one daughter, Jeanne (1274-1305), who marries the future Philippe IV le Bel. Champagne was definitively attached to the kingdom in 1361.